host
HOHST
/həʊst/
A person or organization that receives or entertains other people as guests; to act as a host for an event.
In global sports, 'the host' is the city or country responsible for providing the infrastructure and welcoming the world.
The story behind the word. The Latin root 'hospes' is fascinating because it originally meant both 'guest' and 'host.' It implies a reciprocal relationship of hospitality. This same root gives us 'hospital' and 'hotel.'
Word relationships
- organizer: An organizer handles the logistics; a host provides the space and the welcome.
- guest: The person being received or entertained.
Commonly confused with
- emcee: An emcee (MC) is the person who speaks at the event; the host is the entity providing the event.
Word family
- hosting (noun/verb): the act of being a host
Collocations
- host city
- host nation
- play host to
- host a party
Example sentences
- "Paris was selected to host the 2024 Summer Olympics." Olympic bidding.
- "The host city must provide adequate housing for thousands of visiting athletes." General usage.
Memory hook
The 'host' has the 'most' responsibility for the guests. Host: The one who holds the house.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'host' in a biological sense (an organism that harbors a parasite).
Fun facts
- The 'host nation' of the Olympics usually sees a significant boost in tourism, but also a massive increase in debt.
Related words
Explore more words
hospitality, hospitable, venue, sponsorship, accommodate, sponsor
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